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Montreal Canadiens Blogger •
It was 21 years ago today that the Canadiens presented Pat Burns as their new head coach. At the time, Jacques Martin was honing his expertise as an assistant in Chicago, and then eventually as an associate coach with the Quebec Nordiques. He returns to Quebec, more specifically to Montreal, as a coach who has been nominated as one of the league's best four times, eventually awarded the Jack Adams in 1999 with the Ottawa Senators.
"Happy and Proud," to be a part of the Canadiens organization, Martin wasted no time this afternoon in addressing his reputation as a defensive-minded coach: "When I first started in Ottawa I was categorized as a defensive coach, and when I left, over the last 5 years there, we had one of the best offensive teams in the league."
Martin delved deeper into the strategies he aims to employ with the Canadiens by citing his recent experience in Florida. Coaching the Panthers from 2004-2008, Martin is certainly aware of the styles played by teams that have been the most successful in this new era of hockey.
"I think it's only been one year since I haven't been behind the bench, and I think it was a great opportunity to see game from the top; to recharge my batteries," the Canadiens new bench-boss said of his decision to relinquish his head-coaching duties in 2008, and focus on those pertaining to his role as general manager of the Florida Panthers.
He continued; "My beliefs on how I think the game should be played haven't changed, and that's what I want to bring here to this hockey team. I think we have the skill level to play that kind of game, and I think you'll see an exciting brand of hockey; hockey that puts pressure; a hockey game that makes people accountable."
As for the rest of the coaching staff, Bob Gainey stated that Jacques Martin will meet with those currently under contract (Doug Jarvis, Kirk Muller, Don Lever, Ron Wilson) in order to get to know them better, and that the picture will be complete by June 15th. Rumors which have already begun circulating, suggesting that Jacques Lemaire could be brought in, in an advisory capacity, while Mario Tremblay might be considered as an associate coach were not addressed. Bob Gainey reiterated that those who still have contracts with the Canadiens remain in place until further notification.
One coach who is still under contract, was notified that he will not be returning to the Canadiens next season. Bob Gainey has notified the rest of the league that Roland Melanson's services are available for anyone who would like to hire him. When asked about possibly contacting goaltending guru Francois Allaire, to fill the position, Gainey implied that several candidates from across the league are interested.
*************
Remember those rumors about Alex Kovalev, and 6 million dollars, and the captaincy...
Bob Gainey suggested that the Montreal (or Russian) media didn't have much meat to discuss over the last few weeks, and that while he has had preliminary discussions with some of his free agents, that priority #1 was to address the coaching staff; adding that discussing with players about how they would be used, and what their roles may be with the Canadiens next season was impossible to do without a head coach in place.
On ownership and his own job security, Gainey smartly suggested he had a job to do, and that he was busy doing it. Gainey informed George Gillette upon hiring Jacques Martin, and said that Mr. Gillette was very happy about it.
**************
While he wouldn't get into specifics about the prioritization of his free agents, Gainey was quick to point out that he had less money committed to salary than anyone else in his position, and more money to spend, suggesting his activity on the open market won't be hindered by the shortcomings of the Montreal Canadiens 2008-2009 edition.
**************
My Take:
Jacques Martin has coached over 1000 games in the NHL. His experience, as well as his perspective as both a general manager and coach in today's NHL will be highly beneficial to a Canadiens team that has lacked structure over the last couple of seasons.
While some worry about Martin's "defensive-minded" strategy, he has always been an advocate of playing a puck-possession style of game, as evidenced through many successful seasons with a dominant Ottawa Senators team.
He brings instant credibility and respectability, and Canadiens fans should recognize this move as a step in the right direction.
Any way you look at it, it's a major change in direction. I suspect in the coming weeks, as we approach June 15th, that other changes to the coaching staff will be made.
Get ready for a busy month! As I left the Bell Centre I turned to PR Director, Dominic Saillant and said "see you next week,". He laughed and replied "see you tomorrow..."
"Happy and Proud," to be a part of the Canadiens organization, Martin wasted no time this afternoon in addressing his reputation as a defensive-minded coach: "When I first started in Ottawa I was categorized as a defensive coach, and when I left, over the last 5 years there, we had one of the best offensive teams in the league."
Martin delved deeper into the strategies he aims to employ with the Canadiens by citing his recent experience in Florida. Coaching the Panthers from 2004-2008, Martin is certainly aware of the styles played by teams that have been the most successful in this new era of hockey.
"I think it's only been one year since I haven't been behind the bench, and I think it was a great opportunity to see game from the top; to recharge my batteries," the Canadiens new bench-boss said of his decision to relinquish his head-coaching duties in 2008, and focus on those pertaining to his role as general manager of the Florida Panthers.
He continued; "My beliefs on how I think the game should be played haven't changed, and that's what I want to bring here to this hockey team. I think we have the skill level to play that kind of game, and I think you'll see an exciting brand of hockey; hockey that puts pressure; a hockey game that makes people accountable."
As for the rest of the coaching staff, Bob Gainey stated that Jacques Martin will meet with those currently under contract (Doug Jarvis, Kirk Muller, Don Lever, Ron Wilson) in order to get to know them better, and that the picture will be complete by June 15th. Rumors which have already begun circulating, suggesting that Jacques Lemaire could be brought in, in an advisory capacity, while Mario Tremblay might be considered as an associate coach were not addressed. Bob Gainey reiterated that those who still have contracts with the Canadiens remain in place until further notification.
One coach who is still under contract, was notified that he will not be returning to the Canadiens next season. Bob Gainey has notified the rest of the league that Roland Melanson's services are available for anyone who would like to hire him. When asked about possibly contacting goaltending guru Francois Allaire, to fill the position, Gainey implied that several candidates from across the league are interested.
*************
Remember those rumors about Alex Kovalev, and 6 million dollars, and the captaincy...
Bob Gainey suggested that the Montreal (or Russian) media didn't have much meat to discuss over the last few weeks, and that while he has had preliminary discussions with some of his free agents, that priority #1 was to address the coaching staff; adding that discussing with players about how they would be used, and what their roles may be with the Canadiens next season was impossible to do without a head coach in place.
On ownership and his own job security, Gainey smartly suggested he had a job to do, and that he was busy doing it. Gainey informed George Gillette upon hiring Jacques Martin, and said that Mr. Gillette was very happy about it.
**************
While he wouldn't get into specifics about the prioritization of his free agents, Gainey was quick to point out that he had less money committed to salary than anyone else in his position, and more money to spend, suggesting his activity on the open market won't be hindered by the shortcomings of the Montreal Canadiens 2008-2009 edition.
**************
My Take:
Jacques Martin has coached over 1000 games in the NHL. His experience, as well as his perspective as both a general manager and coach in today's NHL will be highly beneficial to a Canadiens team that has lacked structure over the last couple of seasons.
While some worry about Martin's "defensive-minded" strategy, he has always been an advocate of playing a puck-possession style of game, as evidenced through many successful seasons with a dominant Ottawa Senators team.
He brings instant credibility and respectability, and Canadiens fans should recognize this move as a step in the right direction.
Any way you look at it, it's a major change in direction. I suspect in the coming weeks, as we approach June 15th, that other changes to the coaching staff will be made.
Get ready for a busy month! As I left the Bell Centre I turned to PR Director, Dominic Saillant and said "see you next week,". He laughed and replied "see you tomorrow..."
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